Vehicle Accident with Vegetation Fire

Interstate 40 -

On November 4, 2018 just after 1 PM, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 40, mile marker 68 westbound with a secondary vegetation fire which brought the response of Rescue Squad 51, Engine 521 and Chief 501.

SQ 51 was first to arrive with a vehicle on the shoulder, fully involved with a quarter acre vegetation fire. All occupants were out of the vehicle and uninjured. SQ 51 stopped forward progress of the vegetation fire before extinguishing the vehicle which was a complete loss. Per the accident party, the vehicle sustained a blowout which caused them to spin out and end up on the shoulder, shortly after, the vehicle/brush was ignited.

All occupants were uninjured and no firefighter injuries were reported. The number three lane was closed for roughly one hour while fire personnel worked but caused no traffic delays.

Story by Battalion Chief Ron Hood | Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Engineer Beau Jackson | Pinion Pine Fire District

Commercial Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 - 

On Saturday, October 27th at 6:45 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to a commercial vehicle fire on Interstate 40 at the 64 mile marker westbound which brought the response of Rescue Squad 51, Engine 511 and Engine 521.

Smoke showing

SQ 51 was the first arriving unit with a fully involved semi trailer and 1/4 vegetation fire. SQ 51 deployed an a wildland pre-connect and stopped the forward progress of the vegetation fire. E511 and E521 arrived on scene and deployed 1-3/4 CAFS pre-connects and obtained a quick knock down on the trailer, which was hauling plastic. Crew remained on scene and overhauled the trailer with the assistance of an ADOT front end loader.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported and one lane of travel was closed for roughly three hours while firefighters worked. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

Story By Battalion Chief Ron Hood | Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Pinion Pine Fire District

Morning Vehicle Fire / Vegetation Fire

Highway 93 -

On March 15, 2017 at 9:47 am, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a passenger vehicle fire on State Route 93 at mile marker 92 southbound with extension into the vegetation. This brought the response of E513 and E521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52). Both units arrived on scene in 12 minutes to find a single passenger car fully involved with a tenth of an acre extension into the vegetation. Each engine deployed inch and half attack lines and began suppressing both fires, with containment in 9 minutes. No one was injured in the incident but the vehicle was a complete loss.



Story and Photo by Ron Hood | Battalion Chief

Structure Fire

On April 23, 2016 at 6:24 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to the area north of Loves Truck Stop for reported smoke in the area. Engine 521 and Brush 516 responded from Fire Station 52 with smoke showing. Engine 521 arrived on scene on E. Early Circle to find an outbuilding on fire which had extended into a stack of hay bales with no immediate exposures threatened. Crews pulled an 1-3/4 attack line and had the fire under control in roughly 7 minutes. Firefighters spent the next hour and a half overhauling the roughly 30 hay bales and outbuilding. Upon our arrival, the home owners had just arrived home to find their shed and hay burning and began suppressing the fire.

Although we do not advise homeowners to take action on their fires, we understand your valuables are at risk and we applaud the quick actions in preventing this fire from extending into the vegetation when winds were blowing roughly 20 miles per hour. The cause of the fire was undetermined and caused roughly $10,000 of damage.

Story by Captain Ron Hood / Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson / Pinion Pine Fire District

Semi Fire Causes Delays on Intertstate 40

Interstate 40 -

On May 20, 2015, around 8:48 AM, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to mile marker 61 eastbound on Interstate 40 for a reported semi fire. This brought the response of one Engine and a Chief Officer. While in route, a large column was visible from Fire Station 52, at this time Battalion 5 requested a water tender from Kingman Fire Department. Once on scene, Battalion 5 advised of a semi on the shoulder roughly 50% involved with extension into the brush. A second Engine from Pinion Pine was dispatched while crews began fire operations as well as an engine from Kingman BLM. The fire was knocked down and a loader from the Arizona Department of Transportation overturned the vehicle to gain better access to the load on fire.

Truck load was strawberries

Crews remained on scene for roughly 2 hours to overhaul the fire, a Pinion Pine Rescue unit was dispatched for rehab and air support. During the incident, Interstate 40 was closed for roughly 45 minutes and reduced to the high speed lane for 3 hours once it was re-opened. The incident caused quiet the back up, extending over ten miles into the City of Kingman. The cause of the fire was undetermined, although the driver stated his refrigeration unit on the front of his trailer blew up and fire was everywhere. No injuries were reported during the incident.

 

This fire represents how invaluable our mutual aid agreements are with the City of Kingman as well as the other neighboring fire jurisdictions and we would like to acknowledge them for their assistance. These agreements allow us to maximize our manpower and provide for better public and firefighter safety when needed without taxing one organizations resources to its limits.

Agencies assisting on this incident included WT218 (Kingman), Battalion 2 (Kingman) and E3663 (Kingman BLM). Pinion Pine units included, E523, E521, R525 and Battalion 5. ADOT and DPS provided traffic control.

Article by Captain Ron Hood
Photos by Firefighter Sean Osterman

Improper Cigarette Disposal Ignites Second Structure Fire

Wikieup, Az  

On May 2, 2014 at 2:06 pm, E521 and C501 received an alarm for a structure fire in the 11000 block of south Highway 93. Units arrived on scene to find two mobile homes that had burnt to the ground and spread to the brush. Firefighters quickly extinguished the brush fire which was held to a tenth of an acre and began suppressing the mobile homes which were a complete loss. 

The structures were unoccupied and being demolished when the fire broke out which was caused by the improper disposal of a cigarette according to the demolition crew on scene. Firefighters spent 2 hours on scene overhauling the fire, no injuries were reported.

Article and Photo by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Late Season Winter Weather Causes Rollover

DW Ranch Rd -

On April 26, 2014 around 7:30 am, firefighters received a call for a possible rollover accident on DW Ranch Rd near the 2 mile marker which brought the response of a structure engine, a brush engine and a Chief. B516 and C501 were first to arrive on scene to a SUV on its side blocking northbound DW Ranch Rd. Firefighters made contact with the driver who self extricated himself and stated he was uninjured. E521 continued to the scene to check for vehicle hazards and assist with traffic control on the slippery and blind corner.

The cause of the accident was determined to be driver error, he stated while driving north on DW Ranch Rd, the roadway was covered with snow, when he approached the turn, the road appeared to continue straight which was actually a wash. Once he entered the wash he quickly realized the road went to the right, which caused him to over correct and begin sliding in the snow then striking an embankment, flipping his vehicle.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Firefighter Aaron Volk, Pinion Pine Fire District

Mutual Aid Rollover With Kingman Fire

Interstate 40 -

On Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:18 pm, Kingman Alarm dispatched Kingman E221, E211, R235 and Batt. 2 for a reported vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near mile marker 58 westbound with occupants trapped. Once in route, Batt. 2 requested Pinion Pine E521 to respond due to the close proximity to district boundaries. E521 arrived on scene with E221 and Batt. 2 to find a single vehicle rollover blocking both lanes of westbound traffic. The driver of the vehicle was self extricated but the passenger was still inside the vehicle. Firefighters were able to gain access to the passenger without using extrication tools, and treat his injuries.

Both patients were transported by ground to KRMC in stable condition. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Interstate 40 westbound was closed for roughly 15 minutes then reduced to the shoulder while fire personnel worked.


Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Engineer Heath Markley, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Perform Odd Extrication

Getz Ranch - 

Its not everyday that firefighters have to use their extrication skills but the principles remain the same. On April 9, 2014 at 8:18 am, firefighters from Fire Station 51 and Fire Station 52 were dispatched to the area of Getz Ranch Rd and DW Ranch Rd for cattle stuck in a cattle guard. E521 arrived to find a bull with 3 legs trapped in the cattle guard and beginning to get tired. Crews assessed the situation and determined the best way to remove the bull would be to attempt to use extrication tools. Permission was granted from the ranch to do what was needed to the cattle guard to free the animal.

Firefighters from E521 and B516 deployed both cutters and spreaders, initially trying to simply spread the bars apart enough for the legs to free. It quickly became evident that that was not going to be enough, so crews used cutters and began cutting each end of the bars to widen the space. Firefighters had to work quickly to free all 3 legs rapidly so the animal would not try get up partially freed.

Firefighter Kris Schmidt is seen using hydraulic cutters to remove bars from the cattle guard

Crews were able to successfully remove enough material to allow the bull to step out of the cattle guard. Personnel stood back and waited for roughly 10 minutes for the bull to climb out. Upon observation, it appears the animal will be just fine, acquiring only scrapes and some sore muscles.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Engineer Heath Markley and Firefighter Kris Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District

RV Fire on Interstate 40

Interstate 40 - 

On April 8, 2014 around 12:04 pm, E511, E521 and C501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 at the 62 mile marker eastbound for a reported RV on fire. Units arrived in roughly 10 minutes to find an RV fulling involved with a quarter acre brush fire. Crews deployed an 1-1/2 CAFS attack line an began suppression. Crews had the fire out in 22 minutes and continued overhauling both the vehicle and the brush.

 

The cause of the fire is unknown but the occupants believe it started in the engine compartment. Eastbound traffic was initially stopped while firefighting operations took place and was quickly opened to 1 lane of travel. No injuries were reported.

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Firefighter Harry Doyle, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle vs. Semi Accident

Interstate 40 -

On March 9, 2014 at 8:01 am, firefighters received an alarm for a passenger car vs. semi on Interstate 40 at the 62 mile post westbound. E521 arrived on scene to find a Dodge Challenger in the median upright with moderate front end damage and extensive roof damage.  Both vehicle were traveling westbound when the passenger car struck the rear of the semi trailer. 

The passenger vehicle passed under the DOT safety bar on the trailer, shearing the A-post on the passenger side of the vehicle before entering the median where it came to rest.  Luckily there was no passenger in the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle was uninjured but visibly shaken from the collision.  The driver and passenger of the semi were uninjured as well. 
The Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division is conducting the investigation.  There were no traffic restrictions and the scene was cleared within an hour. 

Article by Engineer Chris Shaffer, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Firefighter Aaron Volk, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle Rollover Sends 4 to the Hospital

Highway 93 -

On March 7, 2014 at 4:25 pm, Firefighters received an alarm for vehicle rollover on Highway 93 near the 97 mile marker which brought the response of B516, E521 and C501. Units arrived to find a single vehicle on its roof with moderate damage to the rear. Crews began patient care on 4 patients and prepared them for transport. One patient was airlifted to Las Vegas with a head injury, the other 3 were transported by ground to KRMC.

The accident did not cause any traffic restrictions and is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Messy Accident on Interstate 40

Interstate 40 - 

On February 27, 2014 at 1:34 pm, firefighters were dispatched to the area of Interstate 40 at the 62 mile marker for reported motor vehicle accident involving a car hauler. E521 and C501 responded from Station 52 (fs52) to find a semi car hauler on its side blocking traffic and in the median and a second vehicle with moderate damage to the side of the vehicle. Firefighters assessed the patients from both vehicle, 4 being transported to an area hospital.

The accident occurred when the car hauler side swiped a passenger car parked on the shoulder, causing the semi to flip into the median. Traffic on Interstate 40 was backed up for a few hours eastbound while the vehicles from the car hauler were removed and lanes cleared. We would like to remind everyone that Arizona has a "Move Over Law" for just this reason. You are required to move  over for vehicles on the side of the road or emergency personnel working on the side of the road. This incident could of been avoided if the driver would have moved over.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Evening Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 -

On February 18, 2014 at 10:32 pm, Firefighters received an alarm for a passenger vehicle on fire on Interstate 40 near the Fort Rock exit eastbound which brought the response of  Engine 521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52). While responding, updates were given that the fire had ignited the brush around the vehicle. Crews arrived to find a vehicle fully involved with roughly a quarter acre brush fire. An inch and one half attack line was used and both fires were suppressed in 6 minutes.

The vehicle and and contents were a complete loss

The owner stated they were driving and heard a loud pop, once the vehicle pulled over, the area under the motor compartment immediately burst into flames. An occupant of the vehicle complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing. Care was given until AMR arrived and transported the patient to an area hospital. Eastbound traffic was reduced to one lane for 30 minutes while crews worked.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photo by Firefighter Mike Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District

Evening Vehicle Accident On Highway 93

Wikieup, Az -

On February 9, 2014 around 6:45 pm, E521 and C501 were dispatched to Highway 93 near mile post 118 (Wikieup) for a vehicle rollover with unknown injuries. Units arrived to find 2 vehicles, one upright with damage to the front of the vehicle, the other on its roof with heavy damage on its side.

Firefighters located the driver of the overturned vehicle who had been self extricated, complained of arm pain and had multiple lacerations over his body. The patient was packaged and transported to an area hospital by ground with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle fled the scene after the accident and was not located. Witnesses to the accident stated a car was traveling north on Highway 93 with their headlights off and weaving into oncoming traffic when they struck the side of the second car traveling south, causing it to roll. The accident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Traffic was slowed down, but both lanes remained open at the scene.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson and Engineer Chris Shaffer, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Battle Stubborn Semi Fire

Interstate 40 -

On February 6, 2014 around 7:30 pm, the Kingman Alarm Center received multiple reports of a semi on fire near the 74 mile marker on Interstate 40 westbound which brought the response of E511 and C501 from Fire Station 51 (fs51). Once C501 arrived on scene, he reported a semi trailer fully involved hauling chicken and tortillas. E511 arrived, deployed a CAFS attack line and began suppression and had the fire knocked down within 10 minutes.

Firefighters James Bevins and Harry Doyle attacking the fire just after arrival

Firefighters quickly realized the sides of the trailer beginning to fail, making it unsafe to work in or around the trailer. E521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52) was dispatched for manpower and to provide a water shuttle operation from the Petro Truck Stop at exit 66 on Interstate 40. Firefighters continued to apply CAFS to the load until ADOT arrived with a front end loader to overturn the trailer to allow firefighters to safely mop up any remaining heat. Crew were on scene for approximately 6 hours, making sure the scene was safe for wrecking company.

Firefighter Justin Escobar and Mike Schmidt continuing to cool the fire from a safe location awaiting ADOT loader

Westbound traffic was reduced to the high speed lane by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol and ADOT for the duration of the incident but did not cause any traffic backups or delays. Although the cause of the fire was undetermined, the driver stated his driver side trailer brakes caught fire. He discharged his on board fire extinguisher but was unable to put the fire out, which quickly spread into the trailer. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Evening Vehicle Fire

Interstate 40 - 

On November 30, 2013 at 5:25 pm, E521 from Fire Station 52 (fs52) was dispatched to mile marker 80 on Interstate 40 for a passenger vehicle fire. When the engine arrived, they found an SUV on the shoulder fully involved. Firefighters deployed an attack line and were able to get the fire under control within a few minutes but were unable to save anything from the vehicle.

The driver stated she heard a pop and within seconds, smoke began to pour from under her hood. She pulled over and exited the vehicle when the motor compartment went up in flames. Passing motorists stopped to render help but were unable to put the fire out, which quickly progressed into the cab of the vehicle. The driver and her dog were uninjured in the incident. The Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol closed both lanes of eastbound traffic for roughly 15 minutes due to poor visibility because of the smoke and was later reduced to the fast lane.

Firefighter Heath Markley is seen on the attack line while Firefighter Justin Escobar prepares to access the motor compartment with the haligan tool.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

 Story and photos by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Tragic Thanksgiving Day Accident

Interstate 40 - 

On November 28, 2013 at 3:50 pm, Pinion Pine Firefighters received an alarm for a reported motor vehicle rollover on Interstate 40 near mile post 90 in the median with extrication needed. E521 and C501 were dispatched from Fire Station 52 (fs52). Additional information was received that multiple patients may have been ejected which brought the response of Careflight and Guardian Air in addition to AMR and fire district resources.

Firefighters and Guardian Air personnel packaging one of the trapped occupants for transport

Units arrived on scene to find a single passenger car on its side with moderate damage, that appeared to have rolled roughly 300 ft. Crews began checking for injuries and found three patients ejected and two in the vehicle needing extrication. The two adult patients ejected were unfortunately deceased upon arrival, the third patient was a young child that had been thrown roughly 75 ft and was in critical condition.

 

Firefighters extracted the two victims from within the vehicle, both of which had obtained serious injuries. The child and one occupant of the vehicle were airlifted to an area trauma center, while the third occupant was transported by ground to KRMC. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.

We want to remind everyone to please wear your seat belt and use extra caution during your holiday travels.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Vehicle Rollover

Interstate 40 -

On November 20, 2013 at 10:40 am, Pinion Pine firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 40 near mile post 88 westbound for a reported vehicle rollover. E521 and C501 from fire station 52 (fs52) arrived to find a single vehicle with moderate to heavy damage on the shoulder and had appeared to have rolled. Firefighters began care on the sole occupant of the vehicle who had received a laceration to their head. The patient was removed from the vehicle, packaged and transported to an area hospital by ground with a fire district attendant.

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol but the driver stated she was traveling above the posted speed limit (75 mph) when she encountered a wet patch on the freeway and lost control of her vehicle.

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Story by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District
Photos by Captain Gail Jackson, Firefighter Mike Schmidt, Pinion Pine Fire District

Vehicle Accident

Interstate 40 - 

On November 2, 2013 at 12:58 pm, Pinion Pine firefighters received an alarm for a single vehicle rollover near mile marker 62 on Interstate 40 which brought the response of E521 from fire station 52 and B516 from fire station 51 as well as a Chief 501. Initial reports indicated the occupants of the vehicle would need to be extricated from the vehicle. Battalion 2 from Kingman FD arrived on scene and advised extrication would not be required.

Pinion Pine units arrived finding a single vehicle that had rolled multiple times resting on its wheels roughly 100 ft from the Interstate in a wash with heavy damage. The patient was transported by ground to an area hospital in serious condition. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. No other injuries were reported during the incident.

Fire personnel and AMR personnel packaging the patient for transport

View Pinion Pine Fire District - 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Article by Lieutenant Ron Hood, Pinion Pine Fire District

Photos by Fire Chief Joe Jackson, Pinion Pine Fire District